Shimla:
Recognising that sustained economic growth depends on a vibrant industrial ecosystem and responsive governance, Himachal Pradesh under Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu is pursuing a decisive shift in the way investments are attracted and facilitated. Through the state’s ‘Industry by Invitation’ initiative, the government has moved from a passive, approval-driven model to a proactive, globally engaged investment strategy—one that is already delivering tangible results.
Outlining his vision for the state’s industrial future, Chief Minister Sukhu said the government is no longer waiting for investors to approach it, but is actively reaching out with a clear roadmap and sector-specific opportunities. He noted that targeted engagement with global markets such as Dubai and Japan, along with domestic financial and industrial hubs like Mumbai, has helped the state secure memoranda of commitment exceeding Rs. 5,000 crore over the past three years.
The momentum has translated into concrete approvals on the ground. According to the Chief Minister, the present state government has cleared 683 industrial projects with a proposed investment of nearly Rs. 14,000 crore. These projects are expected to generate employment opportunities for around 32,000 youth, reinforcing the government’s focus on job-led growth.
A key pillar of the new industrial policy is diversification. Moving beyond traditional sectors, the state is investing in infrastructure that supports eco-friendly transport, clean manufacturing and next-generation technologies. Strategic emphasis is being placed on green energy and green hydrogen to position Himachal Pradesh at the forefront of India’s transition towards a sustainable economy. Parallel efforts are underway to strengthen tourism-linked industries, expand solar energy capacity, build future-ready digital infrastructure and modernise agriculture through dairy development and food processing—initiatives aimed at directly benefiting rural communities.
Acknowledging the central role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in the state’s economy, Chief Minister Sukhu said the government has taken concrete steps to strengthen rural and local industries. Proposals worth Rs. 1,642 crore have been submitted to the Central Government, with Rs. 109.34 crore already sanctioned as initial support. These measures are designed to create resilient supply chains and ensure balanced regional development.
Innovation and entrepreneurship form another cornerstone of the state’s industrial strategy. Fourteen incubation centres have been established at premier institutions including IIT Mandi, IIM Sirmaur and AIIMS Bilaspur, creating a strong ecosystem for startups and technology-driven enterprises. At present, 107 startups are operational, while another 407 are at various stages of development, reflecting growing confidence in the state’s innovation environment.
Under the Chief Minister’s Swavalamban Yojana, the state has approved 1,607 self-employment units with an investment of Rs. 373.87 crore, generating immediate livelihood opportunities for more than 3,500 people. The scheme has emerged as a critical bridge between policy intent and grassroots economic empowerment.
To further enhance investor confidence, the government has focused on regulatory simplification and service delivery. As many as 180 services have been integrated into a unified single-window portal, significantly reducing procedural delays. Policy reforms have also been introduced to ease industrial construction norms, allowing up to 70 percent land utilisation for industrial buildings. In anticipation of rising demand, 13 new large and micro-industrial areas have been notified across the state.
These efforts have earned Himachal Pradesh consistent national recognition. The state has received the Best Performer Award in the State Startup Ranking 2023, the Aspirant State Award for Ease of Doing Business 2024, and first prize under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. In 2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) also recognised the state for excellence in the Health and Services sectors and for strong performance in construction permit reforms.
Describing these accolades as validation of the government’s approach, Chief Minister Sukhu said they reflect a commitment to transparent, efficient and investor-friendly governance. He reiterated that Himachal Pradesh is open for business, with a clear promise that industrial growth will be inclusive, sustainable and directly linked to the prosperity of its people.
With a stable policy framework, proactive outreach and strong institutional support, Himachal Pradesh is steadily emerging as a model hill state where industry, environment and livelihoods grow together.
